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How I Negotiated a Better salary in Uganda (step by step)

How I Negotiated a Better Salary in Uganda (Step by Step) Disclaimer: This article is based on my personal experience in Uganda and is shared for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or career advice. Salary outcomes vary depending on qualifications, employer capacity, industry, and individual circumstances. Introduction Employment opportunities in Uganda are not as many as people often think. From Kampala to up-country districts such as Amuria, the job market has changed significantly over the years. Population growth, slow economic development, and the rising number of graduates have made competition for jobs very intense.   This reality does not mean jobs no longer exist. Opportunities are still available, but when they come, many job seekers rush into salary discussions without proper preparation. Poor negotiation can easily lead to disqualification, especially in private ...

Why Most Financial Advice Fails and What Actually Works

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Why Most Financial Advice Fails  and What Actually Works Finance is one of the major aspects of human daily life. It influences purchasing, selling, planning, and almost everything people work and struggle for each day. Money connects closely with other parts of life and plays a central role in shaping opportunities and outcomes. From ancient times, philosophers, economists, and great thinkers have developed numerous ideas about finance. Each generation created strategies and methods suited to its era. While some approaches are no longer applicable today, many core financial principles have survived and remain relevant. This raises an important question: with all the financial knowledge humanity has gathered over centuries, why are so many individuals worldwide still not economically strong? The Financial Advice Everyone Already Knows Across generations, the same advice continues to be repeated: Save money Spend less than you earn Budget y...

Top 5 Risky Investments in Uganda (2026)

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Top 5 Risky Investments in Uganda (2026) Every investor aims to grow income, whether through active or passive investments. Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world and is part of Africa’s fastest-growing economic regions. These factors attract both local and international investors. However, not all investments are safe. Some appear profitable but carry serious financial, legal, or operational risks. Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct independent research or consult a qualified financial professional. 1. Fresh Fish Sales in Up-Country Areas Selling fresh fish can be profitable but is risky due to long distances from water sources, high temperatures, unstable electricity supply, and high preservation costs. In areas such as Kotido and Moroto, maintaining freshness is difficult and losses are common despite using ice or insulated containers. Risk level: High Best suited for: ...

Why Digital Poverty Is the New Financial Inequality in Africa

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Why Digital Poverty Is the New Financial Inequality in Africa As societies evolve from one generation to another, many aspects of life change, including how people earn, save, and exchange money. In recent years, Africa has experienced rapid growth in digital financial systems such as mobile money, online banking, and electronic payments. While these technologies bring many advantages, they have also introduced a new form of inequality known as digital poverty . Digital poverty refers to the lack of access to digital tools, skills, and knowledge required to participate effectively in modern financial systems. The Rise of Digital Finance The development of digital financial technologies has transformed trade and economic activity. Electronic payments and online banking have made transactions faster, more convenient, and more efficient for individuals and businesses. Common benefits of digital finance include: Faster and more convenient transactions Reduced dependence...

Life Without a Financial Vision:Why Planning Your Money Matters

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Life Without a Financial Vision: Why Planning Your Money Matters Where there is no vision, people often drift without direction. Financially, this can lead to stress, debt, and a life constrained by survival rather than growth. This article explores the importance of having a clear financial vision and actionable steps to move from wishful thinking to purposeful planning. The Problem: Drifting Without a Direction Without a clear vision, life can feel uncertain and unstructured. Many people end up following a routine that merely keeps them afloat, without achieving their true potential. According to psychology research on goal-setting , people with defined goals are far more likely to achieve success and satisfaction. Financially, the consequences are serious. Without a vision for a financially wise lifestyle, debt can accumulate, opportunities can be missed, and life can shrink to a simple cycle: work, pay bills, sleep, repeat. But with intentional planning, this...

Why Low Income Communities Are Often the Most Financially Creative

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Why Low-Income Communities Are Often the Most Financially Creative In my day-to-day interactions with people from economically vulnerable communities in Uganda, I have repeatedly observed a powerful reality: financial creativity often grows strongest where resources are most limited . When access to money, energy, and infrastructure is restricted, people are pushed to think differently. What may appear as poverty on the surface often hides deep innovation, resilience, and practical problem-solving skills. Many life-changing ideas are not born from abundance, but from necessity . There is a common saying that when something is missing, the human mind searches for a substitute. In low-income communities, this mindset becomes essential for survival. This article shares real-world observations that illustrate how financial pressure encourages creativity without promoting unsafe, illegal, or irresponsible behavior. Financial Pressure as a Driver of Innovation Every invention, ...

How Village Saving Groups (VSLA) Really Work -My Experience From Rural Uganda

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How Village Saving Groups (VSLA) Really Work — My Experience from Rural Uganda Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have become one of the strongest community-based financial systems in Uganda. In this article, I share real experiences and explain how these groups operate, how they empower rural people, and why they are often more effective than banks. 📌 Table of Contents Introduction How VSLAs Started Taking Root Early Challenges and Lessons Learned How a Typical VSLA Operates 1. Group Membership 2. Saving Books and Recording System 3. Leadership Structure 4. Loan Application Process 5. Interest Rates 6. Loan Duration and Repayment 7. Fast Loan Access Why VSLAs Are Transforming Rural Communities Why VSLAs Often Perform Better Than Banks Final Thoughts Introduction Across many communities in Uganda and other parts of Africa, a powerful financial tran...